ESSMA-BASIS Smart & Sustainable Stadium Workshop: the Highlights
The inaugural ESSMA-BASIS Smart & Sustainable Stadium Workshop was co-hosted by Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium on Day 1 and the home of England Rugby, the Rugby Football Union (RFU’s) Twickenham Stadium on Day 2.
Both ESMMA and BASIS (British Association for Sustainable Sport) members attended the workshop that took place on June 7 and 8, during which attendees heard insights on topics ranging from energy efficiency & waste management to hospitality & innovative ticketing in smart stadiums and fan & sponsor management.
Over the course of the two days, a number of industry experts shared invaluable insights during in-depth presentations, including: Michael Lloyd, Deputy Stadium Manager, Arsenal FC; Dru Morton, Sustainability Manager, RFU; Anja Melo, Business Development – Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), VfL Wolfsburg; Russell Seymour, Sustainability Manager, Lord’s Cricket Ground/Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC); Sander van Stiphout, Director, Amsterdam ArenA International; Kees Klein Hesselink, Arena Solutions, Philips Lighting; and George Vaughan, Senior Project Manager, RFU.
Interactive panel discussions & presentations
In addition to the comprehensive presentations that were delivered, a number of panel sessions also covered several trending topics. On day 1, members listened to an animated debate on ‘What makes a stadium SMART’, with panellists Michael Lloyd, Dru Morton and Tractebel’s Didier Wauters, moderated by ESSMA Executive Committee member John Barrow, from global sports architecture practice, Populous. Then, on Day 2, Russell Seymour, Sander van Stiphout, Dru Morton, Kees Klein Hesselink and Blaire Bartholomew tackled ‘Stadium energy management’.
The main objectives of the two days – to share valuable content; have discussions on the future of smart stadiums; to provide an opportunity to ask specific questions and seek peer-to-peer solutions; and to ensure strong industry networking – were all delivered upon, with frank and in-depth discussions possible thanks to the interactive nature of the Workshop.
Members were also able to benefit from behind-the-scenes tours of Emirates, led by Arsenal FC’s Michael Lloyd and Twickenham Stadium, led by the RFU’s Dru Morton. Both of whom were able to disseminate the kind of technical data and knowledge that could most benefit those in attendance.
Green credentials
In addition, members were treated to a networking dinner at Emirates Stadium at the end of Day 1, during which Arsenal FC was able to not only highlight its catering prowess but also show off its sustainability credentials.
On Day 2, the ESSMA Advisory Committee got underway, with more members making an appearance, such as the IRFU’s Operations Manager, Declan O’Brien, who also sits on the ESSMA Executive Committee, as well as Committee members including Dallmeier’s Roland Meier and ATSP’s Stephanie Porchet.
NB: In the coming days, we will be bringing you a full, in-depth review of Days 1 and 2, in addition to a document highlighting the key takeaways from the first ESSMA-BASIS Smart & Sustainable Stadium Workshop. So watch this space!
Go to our ESSMA Flickr account for more pictures.